Even Chacchoben was a farmer’s field until a few years ago. Sadly several other ruins are still owned by the farmers and cows are walking all over them and destroying parts or the temples. The guide says the government is trying to buy as much of the land as possible but like many things in the area progress is slow. Hopefully the cruise money will contribute to the preservation of some of these sites.

What tour company did you use? Did you go through the ship?

We went through David and Ivan's Native Choice (www.chacchobenruins.com). Very impressive tour company, and Ivan said that the land had belonged to his dad. However, as he explained it, the government "repatriated" the land from his mother. He didn't go into more detail than that as to what they gave her for it, if anything.